The summer is hot and dry, but the temperature is mitigated on the coast by sea breezes and in the Apennines and Alps it is pleasantly cool.
In mountain areas, winter is ideal for skiing, and summer for excursions such as hiking.
Seaside and lake resorts, with their excellent hotel facilities, have an intense tourist season in the summer, while the cities that are rich in art treasures are ideal in spring and autumn.
In the Mediterranean region, which includes all the southern areas of Italy, rain falls more often in winter while the summer months become dry and hot.